<p>German conglomerate Thyssenkrupp AG on Wednesday raised its full-year outlook for the first time in nearly four years, citing turnaround efforts as well as improved demand for automotive components and materials.</p>.<p>"In a continuing uncertain market environment, we had a good first quarter: we're noticing signs of an economic recovery and our measures to improve performance in the businesses are starting to bear fruit," Chief Executive Officer Martina Merz said.</p>.<p>The group now expects to almost break even on an adjusted operating profit level, having previously forecast a mid-triple-digit million euro loss in the year to September.</p>.<p>Thyssenkrupp's steel division, which could be sold, spun off or kept, swung to an adjusted operating profit of 20 million euros ($24 million) in the first quarter, compared with a loss of 127 million in the same period last year.</p>.<p>"The group might have turned the ship just in time," a Frankfurt-based trader said, adding that the company's operating units were profitable in the quarter. "Almost can't remember last time we have seen this.</p>.<p>Thyssenkrupp's shares were indicated to open 6.6% higher in premarket trade.</p>.<p>On a group level, adjusted operating profit came in at 78 million euros in the October-December quarter, a level that will decline in the January-March period, the company said. </p>
<p>German conglomerate Thyssenkrupp AG on Wednesday raised its full-year outlook for the first time in nearly four years, citing turnaround efforts as well as improved demand for automotive components and materials.</p>.<p>"In a continuing uncertain market environment, we had a good first quarter: we're noticing signs of an economic recovery and our measures to improve performance in the businesses are starting to bear fruit," Chief Executive Officer Martina Merz said.</p>.<p>The group now expects to almost break even on an adjusted operating profit level, having previously forecast a mid-triple-digit million euro loss in the year to September.</p>.<p>Thyssenkrupp's steel division, which could be sold, spun off or kept, swung to an adjusted operating profit of 20 million euros ($24 million) in the first quarter, compared with a loss of 127 million in the same period last year.</p>.<p>"The group might have turned the ship just in time," a Frankfurt-based trader said, adding that the company's operating units were profitable in the quarter. "Almost can't remember last time we have seen this.</p>.<p>Thyssenkrupp's shares were indicated to open 6.6% higher in premarket trade.</p>.<p>On a group level, adjusted operating profit came in at 78 million euros in the October-December quarter, a level that will decline in the January-March period, the company said. </p>